Davidson, the grandson of company co-founder William A. The AMF association with Harley-Davidson motorcycles ended in 1981 when AMF sold the company to a group of investors including Willie G. Harley-Davidson's FXB Sturgis model was released in 1980.Īmong the other notable models that were produced by Harley-Davidson during the AMF years were the FXS Low Rider in 1977, the "Fat Bob" in 1979, and the 80 cubic-inch FXB Sturgis model in 1980. After 1980, with the history of the Harley-Davidson Evolution Engineonly the engine from this dirt track racing bike model became available. This AMF-era Harley model was the type of motorcycle that stunt rider Evel Knievel utilized for his motorcycle jumps in the 1970s. The XR-750 was produced in several model years between 19. The XR-750 racing bike debuted in 1970, then was reintroduced with an all-new alloy engine in 1972. Even though the sales competition from the foreign manufacturers was intense, Harley-Davidson remained as the top-selling brand of heavyweight motorcycles.Įvel Knievel going down hard and his Xr750 following right behind after a successful 90 mph jump over 13 buses at Wembley Stadium - 1975. It was commonly believed that the company sold out to corporate America, causing the overall quality and image of the machines and the brand to dip lower than ever before.ĪMF did keep the Harley name going through those lean years, though. There were rumblings of discontent concerning the workmanship and reliability of the AMF-era Harleys among some owners of the machines. Hard Times When Build Quality and Reliability Deteriorated The Honda 750 models in particular, were proving to be big sellers, and the bikes were starting to be customized as choppers. The Honda 750, the Yamaha 650, Triumph 650, and Kawasaki Mach III cycles were providing some real competition for the Harleys that were being produced under the watch of AMF. In addition to producing the smaller bikes that they had made for years, these companies began producing larger street and touring bikes.
Challenged by Less Expensive and More Refined Japanese Competitorsĭuring the years that AMF owned Harley-Davidson, various Japanese, British, German, and Italian motorcycle manufacturers were also producing bikes that the motorcycling public was very receptive to. While there were, and still are plenty of fans of the AMF-era Harleys, there were also lots of Harley purists who weren't too thrilled with the whole idea of a sporting goods manufacturer producing the classic American motorcycle.ĪMF was first highly known for their bowling equipment and the sporting goods.
While AMF’s arrival did save Harley-Davidson from impending bankruptcy, the AMF years were arguably the most not-so-fond period in Harley-Davidson’s history. Driven by passion and a true belief in the brand, the executives were able to rescue the company from debt. In February 1981, a group of Harley-Davidson senior executives purchased Harley-Davidson from AMF. This created significant tension within the company, which led to the company coming back to its original owners in the 1980’s. What Happened in The Harley-Davidson's AMF Years?ĭuring the ’70s, with the American economy in a recession, Japanese bikes like Yamaha and Honda were proving to be very popular with consumers. AMF basically tossed the then-financially shaky Harley-Davidson a financial life preserver, and maintained ownership of the motorcycle company for a dozen years. Prior to the acquisition of Harley-Davidson, AMF was a manufacturing company of bowling equipment, tennis rackets, and other recreational items. They bow in thanks and share fresh fruit in exchange – all experiences we wouldn’t have sat on a bullet train.In the year of 1969, the AMF corporation (American Machine and Foundry) originally took over production of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. We fire up our stove and invite our neighbours for green matcha tea.
CRAZY CHOPPERS IN JAPAN FREE
It’s just a typical morning at a free campsite in motorcycle-mad-Japan. They don’t know each other and it’s not a ride out or club meeting. We’re surrounded by bikers, all cooking breakfast, packing up their tents and revving their machines. It’s everything you’d expect from waking up in Japan – until the eclectic clatter of motorcycles kicks in. As the red sun rises out of the mountain in the morning, warm light fills our tent and we wake to the peaceful sound of birds chirping and the soft trickle of water from nearby streams. Parents usher their kids to welcome us and offer sweets on ferries, people offer us food and as we stand outside 7⁄ 11 for the free WiFi, people come out with coffees… all interested in our bikes and what we’re doing.Īs the sun starts to dip into the Pacific, we head towards the beach and tuck ourselves away for the night. one of those choppers will be able to fly because its going to snow like crazy.
CRAZY CHOPPERS IN JAPAN MOVIE
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